Joseph Brogan , Reporter
Published: 08:00, 9 Aug 2026
A NEW law will soon force hunters to head out with a scant amount of ammunition when targeting one species.
The change applies to one specific type of firearm that was previously banned, but can be used under explicit circumstances from January 1 on.
Illinois Senate Bill 2756, signed into effect by Democratic Governor JB Pritzker on July 24, is expanding the use of centerfire rifles for deer hunting specifically.
Previously, hunters could only target bucks with single shot centerfire rifles, which must be reloaded after each individual shot is fired.
Sign up for The US Sun newsletter
Email address
Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy
SB 2756 is revising this statute by allowing the use of centerfire rifles that have up to three rounds in the magazine and chamber at one time.
The law also gives hunters flexibility in having either one shot in the chamber and two in the magazine, or all three in the magazine with an empty chamber.
Read More Hunting News
Python challenge $10k winner nabs 96 SNAKES & reveals hugest catch
OPEN SEASON Hunting and fishing ‘combo’ licenses are available for $880 via ‘lifetime’ rule
But the rifles used by hunters must still meet state ammunition requirements, and have sufficient firing power as determined by the state.
Deer hunters are also permitted to use centerfire handguns and shotguns, both of which are also subject to the three-round limit.
Hunters caught in violation of these updated regulations will be charged with a Class B Misdemeanor, per the enrolled bill’s text.
In Illinois, this charge carries a penalty of up to six months in county jail, and/or a fine of up to $1,500, plus any added court costs.
Most read in The US Sun
‘Invasive’ spy cameras now operating in major National Park
Americans to pay new ‘road’ fees under state law – even if they don’t use them
Mom ‘slit throats of her 3 children’ & told husband ‘say goodbye to your kids’
Pilot blinded by laser and forced to abort landing as police open up probe
Meanwhile, in New York State, deer hunting underwent its own historic overhaul, with hunters now able to bag two antlered deer a season.
But in order to do so, they must first use one buck tag before killing an antlerless deer, or doe, and reporting the kill to get their second.
The state is promoting this course of action as a means of culling a booming deer population that’s wreaking havoc on nature and civilization alike.
Likewise, hunters who falsify their doe kill or skip reporting a kill altogether before targeting a second buck risk being hit with severe punishments.
These include up to a year in jail, and/or a fine ranging from $250 to as high as $2,000.